1. The Court may at any time order some or all of the parties to engage in mediation. If mediation is so ordered, it shall be scheduled to begin within ninety (90) days after the entry of the order directing mediation, and no further court proceedings shall be had until the conclusion of mediation or until the Court orders otherwise. Any party may move the Court for an extension of time to begin mediation for good cause shown. If ordered, the Court expects that mediation shall be pursued by the parties diligently, expeditiously, and in good faith, with the ultimate goal of the final and just resolution of as many issues as possible.

2. If mediation is ordered in an action, and thereafter, but before the beginning of mediation, it appears to all the parties that mediation is no longer practicable or preferable, the parties shall jointly file of record with the Bell Circuit Court Clerk a Motion to Cancel Mediation, such to be noticed for a hearing at the convenience of the Court.

3. If mediation is ordered in an action, and it is delayed beyond the ninety (90) day period described in paragraph 1 above, the parties, jointly or by designation, shall file of record with the Bell Circuit Court Clerk a Notice of Delay in Mediation, which shall specify the reason(s) for the delay, and shall certify whether the parties are, or will be, making reasonable efforts to pursue the rescheduling of mediation. If a new mediation date is not obtained within the next thirty (30) days following the expiration of the ninety (90) day period described in paragraph 1 above, the parties shall notice the action for a status conference on the next available appropriate motion day.